tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408Tue, 03 Mar 2015 01:42:47 +0000gratitudefamilychangechoicesdaughterswritingone day at a timeagingweatherhealthdeathfriendshipgardenReverb13.Reverb 14Reverb11parentingbooksbeing in the momentfearsbalanceemotionsReverb 10paying attentionwinterblessingshusbandstressseasonsspiritual pathintentionstimeChristmaschildhoodfoodfrustrationsummerexpectationsreadingtheaterEnergyUniverseboundariesScintilla ProjectScintilla#13healingjobpoliticspatiencerecipeslovespringgrowthpetsAugust Moon 14Once in A Blue Moonethicsheartoceansecond chanceswordsyouthApril MoonfiremotherNew Yearmaking a differenceman's inhumanitytravelvisualizingactingdeadlinesexercisegirlfriendsmoviesmusicpoetrypolitics. lawretirementangerblogscontroldentistfathergetawayshealthcareprocrastinationsufferingDaily Omartbad daysbirthdayscookingindividual rightskittiesritualReverbThe Secretaddictionangelsbodycommunicationcreativityheatholidaysjoykindnesslyingmental healthreikirelaxingstrong womenarts eventscriticismdreamseducationelectionsillnessleaky facenewspapersphotographyplayspower strugglestraditiontragedyanimalscomputerscrittersdepressionfaithgamesmarriagememoriesmemorypain illnessrebirthreproductive healthrural lifeshoppingwisdomwomenworkMercury retrogradeMother's DayabortionadoptioncouragedrumminggracegunshairmassagemoonnaggingopinonprochoiceromancestarssurgerytelevisionwarChristianityMemorial DayNew ClairvauxReverb 15Vagina monologuesbargainsbirdsbusinesscampingchdealseldercareelectronicsgrammarhomeinjurylaughterlegendmoneymudslingingnamenewsroomopinionoprahresentmentriverstuffstyletryingveteransvideosOld MusingsWriter. Dabbler. Observer.
Whatever is on my mind is what you'll find here.http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Beth)Blogger631125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-4463007841827383031Tue, 03 Mar 2015 01:42:00 +00002015-03-02T17:42:47.752-08:00#Reverb15 -- February<i>Wuv, twue wuv...Love is strange | What characteristic or habit of yours is so odd, you'd be mortified if your partner ever discovered it? Alternatively, what makes you a total goober and your other half still loves you for it? If you're single, let your freak flag fly and tell us about what you're afraid might turn off a potential mate.&nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i>Well, I'm a little late, by two days, to this prompt for February, and honestly, I'm not sure about it.<br /><br />At this stage in my life, I'm pretty much What You See is What You Get....not about being 'mortified' if my partner discovered some habit or characteristic. Actually, I gave up that deceptive practice a long time ago.<br /><br />And that's a GOOD thing.<br /><br />Why hide a part of who you are from your partner? How does that make for open, honest communication if you share only what you think s/he would want to know about you? How would <i>you</i> feel if your partner withheld a part of him/herself from you because s/he was afraid you wouldn't love/like them anymore, or if you would be horrified at learning about a habit or characteristic?&nbsp; <br /><br />I don't much like surprises, especially surprises like those. I want to know all about the warts, the uglies, the nasties, the funkies. If I can't handle those details, then the relationship isn't one I should be in. And I hate even worse being blindsided -- I mean, don't YOU?<br /><br />Seems to me that if you have a habit or characteristic that you think is so awful that you can't talk about it to someone who you claim to love and cherish that maybe you'd better both take a look at the habit AND think about why you're reluctant to 'fess up to your partner.<br /><br />Do I have little habits and characteristics that are hinky? Yup. But he loves me. And he knows them all, as I know his. No secrets here. And that's a GOOD thing. <br />http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2015/03/reverb15-february.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-4333204881231218505Tue, 10 Feb 2015 04:31:00 +00002015-02-09T20:31:16.022-08:00blessingshealthReverb 15#Reverb 15 January -- my UNgoal<i>The Prompt: Ungoals | What are you so NOT doing this year? What's on your "I just can't care about that" list?</i><br /><br />Well, I'd love to say that I am not going to have any more big medical issues this year, but that got blown to hell last week when we discovered that the sight in one eye -- my GOOD eye, vision-wise -- has deteriorated quite a bit.<i> </i>So I will be having an MRI to rule out brain tumors and strokes, and then we'll go from there. Meanwhile I am back on eye drops for the glaucoma. Not something you want to mess around with. My doctor is on top of it, though, and I'm grateful for that.<br /><br />So instead I'm going to reiterate what I've been saying and mostly doing for the last couple of years: I am not spending time with people who I don't much like anyway, for whatever reasons, and I'm not doing things or participating in causes that I don't feel strongly, even passionately, about. I don't play games anymore with people. If you don't like what I am and what I believe, that's fine. We'll be done. <br /><br />When you clean house, when you open the doors and declutter your house, literally or figuratively, it makes room for new, good things to come in and take root. I want more things like my wonderful reiki group, like our new drumming sessions. I want more gratitude and joy. I want to always see the glass as half-full. <br /><br /><br />http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2015/02/reverb-15-january-my-ungoal.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-241114413397526434Thu, 08 Jan 2015 00:03:00 +00002015-01-07T16:03:19.410-08:00balanceexercisefoodReverb 14#Reverb 14, Day 31<span style="color: purple;"><i>Big (or small) goals: What’s on tap for next year?&nbsp; Share your big (or small) goals with us.&nbsp; Why did you pick those goals?&nbsp; Are these things you’ve always wanted to do?&nbsp; How are you going to get them done?</i></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Job one is recovering from hardware removal surgery from a triple arthrodesis I had two years ago. I am hoping for physical therapy as I haven't walked with a decent gait for at least three years, and I am tired of feeling off balance and like Lurch. Everything in my body is a little 'off' -- and I want balance.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Actually, balance is pretty much the goal for 2015 in all things.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I did not like the 'obese' code in my doctor's pre-op instructions, not ONE bit. I don't think of myself as 'obese,' but according to the BMI charts, I suppose I have been either there or in the overweight category for years. Even when I lost 50 lbs back in 2002-3, according to those charts I was still overweight. But I didn't look it -- I looked slim and healthy in the photos from that time. </span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">So we are both on a quest to lose weight and ramp up exercise, not to look buff and skinny, but to look and feel healthier and not so achy-breaky. We both need to gain strength in our arms and legs, we both need to increase core strength. I need always to work on balance (which I have never had, really, even as a young person).&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Yoga will help me do a lot of that, and so will some strength training at the gym. Like I said, it's about balance: feeling and looking healthier and stronger, with more stamina and strength.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">That also means putting my head in the right space to do this, not feeling deprived and anxious, but knowing that spirit will guide me to the right place for me. My mantra is "I am here." Right here, right now. One day at a time, one bite at a time, one workout at a time. We can do this. </span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Commitment to that is the only goal for 2015. The rest will follow.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><i> </i></span>http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2015/01/reverb-14-day-31.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-4106314751674681777Wed, 07 Jan 2015 05:07:00 +00002015-01-06T21:07:08.327-08:00Reverb 14#Reverb 14, Day 30<span style="color: purple;"><i>In and out list: Each year the Washington Post (and various other media) pens an “in and out” list comprised of pop culture people/items that are in and out.&nbsp; What’s on your in and out list?</i></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><i>&nbsp;</i><span style="color: black;">In:&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Bluetooth iPod speaker</span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.vitacost.com/love-grown-foods-power-os-cereal-original-8-oz" target="_blank">Love Grown Power O's </a></span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Magnesium Oil</span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Rescue Remedy Sleep Spray</span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Alegria shoes</span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Local beef</span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Zevia Zero soda</span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Out:</span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Earbuds (except in the dentist's chair)</span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Cheerios</span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Ben-Gay</span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Benedryl</span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Crocs</span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Supermarket pink slime beef</span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Diet sodas with Spenda or aspartame</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I suppose I'm woefully behind the times regarding pop culture. Most of what I know I've learned either from Entertainment magazine or one of the television Insider-type shows.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I'm retired! I wear jeans and yoga pants and tees and sweatshirts and hoodies and sweaters. I listen to what most would call moldy oldies, abeit I have an eclectic mix of classical, high church choral, Broadway musicals, Celtic, and classic rock groups on my iPod. I sort of feel like Ouiser in "Steel Magnolias": </span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">"I do not see plays, because I can nap at home for free. And I don't see movies 'cause they're trash, and they got nothin' but naked people in 'em! And I don't read books, 'cause if they're any good, they're gonna make 'em into a miniseries"</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">That, of course, isn't really true about me -- I do see plays, I do go to movies, and I do read books. But I'm picky. </span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span>http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2015/01/reverb-14-day-30.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-3894513018164063269Mon, 05 Jan 2015 00:25:00 +00002015-01-04T16:25:28.561-08:00computersreadingretirementReverb 14ritualtelevision#Reverb 14, Day 29<span style="color: purple;"><i>Day in the life: Describe a typical day-in-the-life.&nbsp; Give us details!&nbsp; Give us pictures!&nbsp; Sometimes our days can seem boring.&nbsp; Is that okay?&nbsp; What do you do to make your days feel a bit special?</i></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><i>&nbsp;</i><span style="color: black;">Oh, how retirement changes day-to-day life! </span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Tony almost always gets up before I do. I snuggle back down in the covers and snooze, awakening usually between 8 and 8:30 (unless I didn't sleep well, in which case it could be an hour later). Sweats and slippers on. Flip on lights on the plant shelf (where my angels sit); open great room blinds,&nbsp; and I'm ready for a cup of tea (sometimes decaf coffee). Teabag in the tall St. Elizabeth Hospital cup, cup under the Keurig dispenser (hot water). Sit in my green leather chair with my iPad. McMurphy leaps to the arm of the chair, his butt barely missing the cup of hot tea, and into my lap, where he insists on snuggling, stretching out long paws to push away the iPad. I comply. Sort of, anyway, holding the iPad at an awkward angle so I can cuddle the cat too.</span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Tony is in the office and comes into the kitchen anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes later, always coming over to my chair, leaning down, and giving me a kiss or three. (*lucky girl* aren't I) And then he goes to the kitchen to fix breakfast -- alternating cereal (hot or cold, depending on the season) or eggs. (ditto that *lucky girl* thing)</span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">"It's ready," he'll say. I put down the iPad and come to the table, where I dispense vitamins, we enjoy breakfast and bird watching since he's already replenished the feeders tjhat hang outside the sliding door by the table. We clear the dishes; then sit back down and read aloud, taking turns with each book, from the two books we've chosen for the year's morning readings.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">From there, depending on what's on the calendar for that day, I may go back to my chair with a second cup and browse through email and Facebook and blogs for another hour. Or I may go back to the bathroom, pausing to make the bed, and get showered and ready for what's on the agenda.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">{{{Day goes along -- maybe a trip to town, to an appointment, to lunch -- maybe a movie together or a day trip or errands or grocery store. Maybe some laundry. Or cleaning. Or writing. Or reading. Lunch happens, usually together, unless I've got a lunch date. Or we decide to combine errands and lunch. Or I bring home a sandwich. We will be adding regular exercise to this timeline in 2015, either at home or at the gym. }}</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Around 5 p.m., the TV news usually goes on and I begin puttering in the kitchen in preparation for supper. We generally eat between 6:30 and 7, sometimes lingering for half an hour if we're deep into a conversation. I clear the table, he does the dishes, I feed the cats, and we're ready for an evening of TV -- unless I still need to do the daily email I write to a small group of family and friends (a bit of nothing much -- what I did, what's going on with the weather, maybe a commentary about the state of life or something newsworthy, and a quotation that either reflects how I'm feeling or is something I think one of the recipients should hear), which takes maybe 20 minutes.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">We are such creatures of habit. We record a number of TV series and movies, and most always have a discussion that goes something like: "What do you feel like?" "I dunno. What do you want to watch?" "Oh, I could be up for most anything." (or, alternatively, "I don't feel much like a movie...I want something light and fluffy....I dunno.") Eventually we either take turns narrowing the choices ("Uh, Person of Interest, Agents of Shield, or Divergent.") or I just click on something (I nearly always am the mighty ruler of the TV control.)</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Unless it is a movie, we do that again in the hour it takes to watch a series. I know. It's SO co-dependent. We know it too.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">The exceptions are when we have both Showtime and HBO favorite Sunday night series to choose from, and we know we'll get to at least two of them, so it rarely makes a difference which we do first. And&nbsp; Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder, in that order, don't need conversation to choose either.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">News at 10, and it's off. Tony goes back to the office for a last bit of computering; I usually play a game or two on the iPad, and then I'm off to get ready for bed and reading my Kindle. He'll come in, both cats leading the way, in half an hour, snuggle down, and is usually asleep quickly. I read for maybe an hour, and then it's lights out for me too, and hopefully to sleep (perchance to dream....)</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Boring?</span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I suppose it could seem that way. It doesn't feel boring, however. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">We prefer to think of our days as drama-free. We like our little routines and rituals, and even when we're traveling in Sallie Forth (our travel trailer), we follow pretty much this process. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I like waking to the same routine every day. It puts a structure, a beginning that is predictable and comforting, to another lovely day.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Every day that we are together and feeling good, every day that allows us to control what we do and when we do it is a special day. We don't need excitement and drama and lots of socialization to feel satisfied and happy with our days, and neither of us needs to be entertained or kept busy, since we are both exceptionally self-directed with our activities and interests. If there is a downside to this, it is that we ARE such compatible creatures and enjoy our routines, and sometimes need to shake things up a bit, to change what we are doing to promote better, healthier habits.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Life is so good, folks. We are so, so blessed.&nbsp; </span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2015/01/reverb-14-day-29.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-3415230349777733076Sat, 03 Jan 2015 20:56:00 +00002015-01-03T12:56:36.323-08:00artcreativityReverb 14writing#Reverb 14, Day 28<i><span style="color: purple;">Creativity: What does being creative mean to you?&nbsp; How do you express your creativity?</span></i><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I have always regarded myself as a creative person, pretty much centered around the various fine arts, although I learned long ago that I am more of a dabbler than a perfectionis<i>t.&nbsp;</i></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">And yet when I was working, I often found new ways to look at old problems or different paths to complete a project or changing up a long-established process to make it easier and more effective. I was often self-directed, especially in the non-profit positions, which usually makes such creativity easier to implement, and I also learned how to be creative with a very small budget. When I worked for the larger corporations I was part of marketing communications, the 'creatives' part of the business, and change wasn't always as easy to do or as accepted by management.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I learned to work with a group or a committee, but that is not an easy road, especially if personalities are strong. And sometimes I didn't work very well with a group, preferring to be solo or with only one other person. Management doesn't like that much, though.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I think creativity is the ability to see/hear/perceive something in at least a slightly different way and then to express that through whatever means is appropriate to the medium. Being a creative has been a big part of who I am throughout all my life, and I find my greatest satisfaction and joy comes from that ability to see differently -- as well as the same.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">My creative nature shows in what I wear, my jewelry, my shoes, what my house looks like, what I read, what I listen to, what I like to watch and do, even (when possible) in what I like to drive. I like being a little different, a little quirky, although it took years to embrace that.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I'm not singing or taking photos or painting or sewing right now (all the dabbley stuff): the constant creative outlet in my life has always and continues to be writing, even if it isn't polished and perfected. I write only for me these days: while I love that people enjoy my blog or find wisdom in my writing, what I say is truly from my heart and mind, and not to please an editor or an audience. It is who I am, if you care to read it.&nbsp; </span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span><i><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></i>http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2015/01/reverb-14-day-28.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-5004197608971134189Sat, 03 Jan 2015 20:35:00 +00002015-01-03T12:35:47.918-08:00intentionsReverb 14#Reverb 14, Day 27<span style="color: purple;"><i>Creature of Habit: Did you form a new habit this year?&nbsp; Or continue with an old one?&nbsp; Is it a good habit?&nbsp; Or one you’d like to break?</i></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Bad habits:</b> Sleeping past 8 a.m., sometimes way past, because I read too late or don't go to sleep easily at night; indulging too readily in candy or milkshakes or cookies that I know are going to pack on the pounds (and which have) and do not contribute to good health; putzing too much on the iPad and/or computer during the day in lieu of getting some long overdue cleaning tasks done; not climbing on the exercise bike at least three times a week NO MATTER WHAT, or going regularly to yoga.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Good habits:</b>&nbsp; Continuing to cook most of our food from scratch, thereby controlling salt intake and other not-good ingredients; carefully regulating carb intake for most meals; practicing gratitude every day; being intentionally kinder to myself and to others.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Lots of room for improvement. But progress continues. </span></span>http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2015/01/reverb-14-day-27.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-6354935013363137394Sat, 03 Jan 2015 20:24:00 +00002015-01-03T12:24:14.705-08:00EnergyreikiReverb 14#Reverb 14, Day 26<span style="color: purple;"><i>Energy: What gave you energy this year?&nbsp; What took away your energy?</i></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Energy. I have never been so aware of energy and how it comes to us, what we give ours to, whether it is positive or negative. That's thanks to my reiki group which began meeting slightly less than a year ago, and which is so focused on our energies and how they manifest.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Two years ago I was slated for foot surgery in late December,&nbsp; involved in a group that had a lot of chaotic energy, and acting as payee for my daughter who was in a basically negative living situation but seemed unable to get herself out of it (for a lot of reasons). My own energy was afraid and angry a lot of the time, and the foot that was getting cut on felt like a piece of wood, which also was concerning. I felt pulled in so many directions and none of them positive.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">And I knew that prescriptions and Western medicine were not going to help me with this. So I went in desperation to a woman I knew slightly who did energy work and asked -- almost begged-- her for help.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">WOW. Everything changed. With her help and counsel, I went into that surgery unafraid, positive about the outcome, and feeling so much more peaceful about where I was.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">That work has carried me to today, facing surgery again (this time to take out the hardware that was put into my ankle two years ago), and blessed with a supportive group who believe in the power of energy to heal and to change lives.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I have actively worked on keeping my energy charged and healing as well, and try hard to avoid getting enmeshed in people, places or events that sap it, releasing relationships and memberships when necessary, or changing how I react to others.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">It is intentional, this good energy, and takes the realization that all is temporary -- good, bad, ugly, hard, easy. It all changes eventually. What I can control is my own reaction, and I try to keep that focused on the positive, the good healing energy, by deliberately meditating on it, praying, practicing reiki, and being kind both to me and to others.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Yes, there are not so good days. But I have control over how that affects me. And I choose positive energy.&nbsp;</span><i> </i></span>http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2015/01/reverb-14-day-26.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-832327334027806285Sat, 03 Jan 2015 20:09:00 +00002015-01-03T12:09:01.763-08:00gratitudekindnessReverb 14#Reverb 14, Day 25<span style="color: purple;"><i>Thanks and Gratitude: What are you so grateful for?&nbsp; How did you count your blessings in 2014?</i></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I don't even know where to begin on this one. I have practiced active gratitude every day this year, with prayers morning and night (and often in between).&nbsp; Actually, I have intentionally practiced gratitude for more than 30 years...the "attitude of gratitude" was drilled into me at one point, and it has become a way of living.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">But especially as I grow older, there are so many itty bitty things, alongside the big huge ones, that I am grateful for -- hot water in my shower, a good parking place at a store, a meal where everything came together just right, a day without afib, a phone call from a friend, a reiki session that really hit home....</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;I am so grateful for my husband, my home, my kitties. For no afib, at least right now. For enough of everything. I am grateful for our relatively drama-free life.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">So. Many. So. Much.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I try to give back to others through donations, through being kind or helpful, by trying to be thoughtful and accommodating (but not to the point of people-pleasing, something I have worked on for years now). Kindness is such an important quality, and one we have not always been taught. So I work on being kind and not so judgmental, either of others or myself.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><i> </i></span><br /><br />http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2015/01/reverb-14-day-25.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-5385011840141795257Wed, 31 Dec 2014 22:19:00 +00002014-12-31T14:47:27.440-08:00homeReverb 14travel#Reverb14, Day 24<span style="color: purple;"><i>Home: Tell us about what home meant to you this year.&nbsp; Are you a homebody?&nbsp; Did you do a renovation?&nbsp; Move?&nbsp; Redecorate?&nbsp;</i></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Home is wherever my honey and my kitties are.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">We proved that for some six weeks of traveling in our little trailer (in two trips) this summer. It's small and compact, but it has our things, our pillows, our kitties in it, and when the four of us are tucked up in bed at night, it just doesn't get much better.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Honestly, we could be anywhere as long as we're together, and it would feel like home. Safe. Comfortable. Secure. Relaxed.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">We do love our house-home, however. We designed it exactly how we wanted it to be, colors and layout and style, and it still works today, nearly 12 years later. As much as we love traveling in the trailer, it feels really good to be back home (even with hot temperatures in the summer). It's familiar. It's ours.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp; </span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><i> </i></span><br /><br />http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2014/12/reverb14-day-23.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-4132936747593314915Wed, 31 Dec 2014 22:19:00 +00002014-12-31T14:20:54.834-08:00healthheartloveReverb 14#Reverb14, Day 22-23<span style="color: purple;"><i>Day 22: Thank You Note: Write a thank-you note to someone who broke your heart, or made your life harder than it needed to be. Bonus points for sharing it here.</i></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><i>Day 23: </i></span><span style="color: purple;"><i>I never thought I’d…: What did you think you’d NEVER do.&nbsp; But you did this year.&nbsp; Why?&nbsp; What changed your mind?</i></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I'm hard-pressed to think of someone this year who fits the Dec. 22 prompt criteria. While there certainly have been those who made my life harder than it needed to be, that wasn't without my permission, if not expressly, by default. And breaking my heart? Oh. That has happened so many times with one child or another, but that's over time, not just this year. In fact, this year probably had less of that than there has been in many years, for which I am so truly thankful --- and aware that it could change at any moment.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">When we love someone, we offer our hearts up to be broken if we truly love them. We trust that all kindest care will be taken by the other party, of course, but that trust has sometimes been broken in my experience. And it is devastating. But you learn. Or you don't. I don't trust nearly as readily as I once did, and I am far slower to offer trust, at least fully, than I once was. But I still believe that someone to whom I give my love and trust will give theirs back to me -- and even though that has sometimes proven false, I still try.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Sometimes when things are harder than they need to be, there are lessons to be learned -- that nasty old patience one, for instance. And sometimes life is just hard. You put one foot in front of the other and walk one baby step at a time. Eventually things will lighten up.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">2. Last year -- any year, for that matter -- at this time I would never have imagined that I'd have an ablation on my heart, allowing doctors to thread a catheter up my femoral artery, poke a hole in my heart, and burn tiny little patches throughout it. I barely knew what it was. &nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">But I did it. I'd do it again.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Because of it, I am (so far) free from atrial fibrillation, that awful, nauseating, anxiety-producing flip-flop-hard-beats-that-aren't-regular in your chest.&nbsp; I no longer have to take blood thinners or do monthly blood tests. I no longer bruise at the slightest bump. I am not worried about a stroke every time my heart acts up.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I am lucky that I was a good candidate for the procedure: not everyone is. I am lucky that there is not significant damage to my heart because of afib.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">We do what we have to do. I had to do this in order to have a better quality of life. And in 2015, I'll continue that quest by regaining strength and losing weight. &nbsp;</span><i> </i></span><br /><br />http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2014/12/reverb14-day-22.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-4450438342033221314Tue, 30 Dec 2014 18:16:00 +00002014-12-30T10:16:20.377-08:00boundariesNew YearReverb 14#Reverb 14, Day 211. This is the last day for Kat McNally's Reverb prompts. She writes, "<span style="font-size: 16px;"><em>Today, I'd like you to revisit what you wrote on 1 December on the first day of Reverb14.<br /><br /><span style="color: purple;">How does that compare to where you are now i.e. what can you say&nbsp;<u>today</u>&nbsp;with certainty?</span></em></span> <br /><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><em>Then, without thinking too hard about it, grab a pen and some paper and finish the following sentences:</em></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><em>In 2015, I am open to...</em></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em><span style="color: purple;">In 2015, I want to feel...</span></em></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em><span style="color: purple;">In 2015, I will say no to...</span></em></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em><span style="color: purple;">In 2015, I will know I am on the right track when… But when I find myself veering off course, I will gently but firmly…</span></em></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em><span style="color: purple;">In December 2015, I want to look back and say..</span></em></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em><span style="color: purple;">2. </span></em></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em><span style="color: purple;">Purging: What did you get rid of this year?&nbsp; Physical things you tossed out or donated?&nbsp; Or did you purge a bad relationship, job, etc…?</span></em></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">1. I can still say exactly the same things today that I did on Dec. 1: I am reasonably able-bodied, I love and cherish and adore my husband, I like my life and who I am, and I am happy to be alive.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em><br /></em></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">I can add that life is short and can end in a heartbeat (as it did for my daughter's father-in-law on Dec. 29, unexpectedly and sadly), and that we must try to make the most of every single day.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">So.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">In 2015, I am open to...committing to a regular exercise plan, calendaring it so that it will remind me daily.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">In 2015, I want to feel...healthier, and stronger, and that I can walk without lurching because of foot or back pain.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">In 2015, I will say no to...causes and people and events that do not ignite my passion or who are not willing to be truthful or when I believe that getting involved does not serve my highest and best interests.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">In 2013, I will know I am on the right track when....I am not second-guessing myself in the wee small hours of the morning, and when I am feeling stronger and more flexible. But when I find myself veering off course, I will gently but firmly....'fess up to my exercise and life partner, my husband, and get back on the path.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">In December 2015, I want to look back and say....I feel so good about this year! I am stronger and feel better and am happier than ever.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">2. Oh, I purge fairly frequently, although there are many piles and nooks with stuff that needs going through and making decisions about. I am good about purging clothes and shoes that no longer work for me or fit me or that I really love wearing. (Not so good about purging piles of paper, however.) I went through some bookshelves and donated some to the library and some to my daughter this year. Did the same for household knickknacks and linens; gave still-good ones to one or the other of the daughters, threw away the rest, and we took several loads to thrift stores.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">In 2015, we are already planning to tackle the home office and old files. Time for all that saved paper to go or to be filed and stored. And there are supplies that we no longer use: donate or discard. Ditto with business books.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">And then there is the attic. Uh huh.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">I actively try to stay away from people or groups or events that make me uneasy or irritated, and intend to do more of that in 2015. This year I cut ties with one group, rather sadly because I so strongly support the cause and message. But the method for getting that message to the public has become stagnant and clique-y, and it no longer is a joy and calling to participate in it. I felt like a load had been lifted from me as soon as I told the organizers why I would not be participating again.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Negative people, negative experiences, negative situations have no place in my life anymore. I want to surround myself with kindness, with genuine caring, and with opportunities to learn and grow in good directions. </span></div>http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2014/12/reverb-14-day-21.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-6125951665129457700Tue, 30 Dec 2014 01:15:00 +00002014-12-29T17:15:03.607-08:00joyReverb 14shoppingtime#Reverb14, Day 20<span style="color: purple;">1. <i>One thing I learned in 2014 was how to make space for joy and levity, even in the midst of challenging circumstances or sad times.&nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>How could you make space for joy in the year to come? How could you protect it?</i></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><i>2. </i><i>Stuff and Things:&nbsp; What products have you discovered this year that you love?&nbsp; Tell us all about them, and why you love them.&nbsp; Become the celebrity spokesperson of whatever it is you like!</i></span><br /><br /><i>&nbsp;</i>1. Feeling joy is intentional action. We become so entrenched in our daily routines that we don't necessarily seek more joy, although I believe we both feel a great deal of gratitude every day, multiple times daily. But joy requires some planning, some space set aside specifically for play and pleasure.<br /><br />We have off and on made time weekly for a play day -- going for a drive or to the mountains or to a movie or something like that, but in 2015, I'd like to make that a priorty day: a weekly day where we leave behind our routines and ordinary pleasures and chores, and intentionally go do something different and fun. That means it goes on the calendar every week, and we make it happen.<br /><br />Life is short. If not now, when?<br /><br />2. I like this prompt, but it is going to have to wait. I am behind on posting these prompts, for one, and for another, our daughter's father-in-law died this morning (Dec. 29), and we are reeling from that. So I promise to revisit it at a later time when I can give it the attention it deserves. http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2014/12/reverb14-day-20.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-8550922880030153773Fri, 26 Dec 2014 18:35:00 +00002014-12-26T10:35:41.677-08:00chhealinghealthReverb 14spiritual path#Reverb14, Day 191. <span style="font-size: 16px;"><em><span style="color: purple;">Today, I invite you to consider: what sorts of signs and symbols have recurred for you in 2014? Think: repeating colours, shapes, people, sayings, music, images, ideas. Where could they possibly be leading you?</span></em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em><span style="color: purple;">2. </span></em></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em><span style="color: purple;">Challenges.&nbsp; What did you wrestle with in 2014?&nbsp; What did you learn?&nbsp; What challenges do you foresee in 2015?</span></em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">1.<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiral" target="_blank"> Spirals</a> have caught my eye all year. They are an ancient symbol with various meanings in art and in spirituality, but also play an important role in science, math, and nature.&nbsp; I've noticed them everywhere. The spiral is integrated into reiki symbolism and also <a href="http://thespiritofwater.com/pages/sacred-symbol-uses" target="_blank">in spirituality</a>.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">This year has been one of more attention to spirituality for me, especially in learning with my reiki group and doing all the wonderful travel that we have done. I think the signs are there for me to keep pursuing this inner journey.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">2. I've pretty much written about this already -- overcoming fear and anxiety, especially cardiac anxiety -- and working with healing to change my fears.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I'm not anticipating big challenges in 2015 -- I think just continuing to follow the spiritual path and to get my strength back after surgery in January will be challenge enough. &nbsp;</span></span><em><span style="color: purple;"> </span></em></span>http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2014/12/reverb14-day-19.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-5692754992788270811Tue, 23 Dec 2014 04:24:00 +00002014-12-22T20:24:40.851-08:00drumminghealthheartreikiReverb 14seasonsstrong women#Reverb 14, Day 18<i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. <span>What nourishes your soul? How would you like to incorporate more of this into your life in 2015?</span></span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>2. </span></span></span></i><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ah ha moment: Did you have an “ah ha” moment this year?&nbsp; Was it a big one?&nbsp; Or just a small enlightenment?</span></span></em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">1. My reiki group began to meet early in 2014, and it has nourished the spiritual yearning within me all year, although I want more -- and we are bonding as a group and beginning to deepen what we're doing. I think there are more people hungry for spirit these days, and sometimes the traditional church doesn't quite fill all that need. The wonderful thing about the reiki/spirit group is that it is compatible with any religious practice, so doesn't replace church participation and membership or beliefs. I love that, not that I am a part of a church here, but some of our members are.</span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">As we have gotten to know each other better, we are contributing talents and interests to shape what we are doing, and being open to opportunity to learn and experience more.</span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">At one meeting, we brought drums or instruments and enjoyed a musical circle with lots of energy and rhythm, drawing spirit energy in a big way. One result of that meeting was that I now have my own drum, a heart spirit drum made for me by a craftsman that one of our circle knows well, and at least two more are ordering drums for themselves.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">At the Winter Solstice yesterday (clearly I'm writing this post a few days late!), we met at one of our group's home in the country and gathered by a little singing creek in a green meadow. It's been rainy here for most of December (and we aren't complaining since California has been in such a drought), but yesterday was fairly mild with only a slight mist in the air. We had a fire going to warm up our drums and ourselves, and we invited spirit with a wonderful drum and flute circle, ceremoniously discarded those things that no longer wish to carry with us, and set intention for the new year. We laughed, played, prayed, drummed, and welcomed the Return of the Sunchild to us. And then we ate chocolate and toffees and bourbon balls and cinnamon sticks and tangerines and persimmons and coffee and tea. It was a glorious day.</span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">More of that. Every quarter at least.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">2. I don't remember a huge 'ah-ha' moment this year. There was a realization moment -- perhaps an 'ah-ha' -- when my cardiologist told us that I was the 'perfect' candidate for an ablation and that it could get rid of my afib and allow me, perhaps, to get off heart meds and blood thinners. I remember thinking "yeah, no, maybe in the future" and then went home and read about the procedure. Processed it, as I do with most major decisions. Resisted. Thought. Talked. Watched some videos. And then saw my doctor a few weeks later and told her I was ready to do it. The EP called me the next day to schedule an appointment. It could change the quality of my life completely.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">It has.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I am off blood thinners and heart meds. I have been in normal sinus rhythm since Aug. 25. (and yes, I know that the heart can take up to a year to heal, and that yes, afib can come back). For now, I'm good. I'm so grateful. And it is a big 'ah-ha' to feel normal heart rate and rhythm EVERY DAY. </span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp; </span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span></span><em><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></span> </em></span>http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2014/12/reverb-14-day-18.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-2143243534209416129Sun, 21 Dec 2014 00:58:00 +00002014-12-20T16:58:39.215-08:00jobReverb 14work#Reverb14, Day 171. <span style="font-size: 16px;"><i><span style="color: purple;">How can you stop being an a**hole, get out of your own way and make room for more of your magic to happen in 2015?</span></i></span><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><i><span style="color: purple;">2. </span></i></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><i><span style="color: purple;">Work: What sort of work did you do in 2014?&nbsp; Was it new to you?&nbsp; Did you take on new responsibilities?&nbsp; Change jobs?&nbsp; Or take on a new task at home?</span></i></span><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><i><span style="color: purple;">&nbsp;</span></i>&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;Boy howdy, I am behind on prompts! That's what happens when I have stuff to do during the day, I guess.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;">So I'm not really sure that I can relate much to the first prompt. As a retiree, I pretty much go with the flow of things and try to do what appeals to me. I've been open to what comes along and about giving most opportunities a shot before I either abandon it or pursue something further.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;">I'm sure that I'm pretty good at being an asshole too, but I don't think it happens as frequently as it used to, mostly because I really try not to put myself in positions where I revert to that behavior.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;">And work. No, I did not work outside the home, with a boss, for pay. I didn't do anything for actual pay. I don't WANT to do anything like that, frankly!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;">But I worked. I worked on ME. I worked on my attitude of gratitude. I worked on fear and anxiety and diminishing it. I worked on inviting more spirit into my life. I worked at loving who I am, warts, extra pounds, judgmental attitude, and all.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;">This is not new to me. But the freedom to really work at it is still a huge blessing, and to be free of distractions like making a living and dealing with unpleasant people at&nbsp; a job.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;">More positive work is ahead in 2015, I'm sure. I've begun some new things that I am having fun pursuing, and I want to be open to more of those. </span><br /><br />http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2014/12/reverb14-day-17.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-7121790712709938019Wed, 17 Dec 2014 18:43:00 +00002014-12-17T10:43:04.663-08:00healthheartone day at a timeReverb 14#Reverb 14. Day 16<span style="color: purple;"><i>1. <span style="font-size: 16px;"><em>Like many folks, I picture myself as a modern day Wonder Woman, trying to use my superpowers, to do lists and pure force to get what I want. In 2014, I found that my effort wasn’t often tied to my desired outcomes -- except when it was.</em></span></i></span> <br /><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: purple;"><i><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em>In 2015, is there something you’d like to try harder at because you believe it would make all the difference?&nbsp;</em></span></i></span></div><span style="color: purple;"><i> </i></span><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: purple;"><i><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em>Conversely, what is something you could stop trying so hard at that might actually help you manifest what you’d like?</em></span></i></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em>2. </em></span></i></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em><span style="color: purple;">1000 Words: There’s the old saying that a photo is worth 1,000 words.&nbsp; Give us a photo with that impact that sums up some significant event of your 2014, or give us 1,000 words about a pivotal moment in 2014.</span></em></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Huh.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I'm not just chomping at the bit to respond to either of these today.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">With #1, I'm just not in that mode of thinking anymore. Back when I was working and 20 years younger, yeah, it might have made some sense to practice or to reflect on this.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Nowadays, I am more about taking care of my needs and paying attention to my physical issues, and doing what I can to mitigate those issues. I don't know that there is anything there I could 'try harder' to do that I think would make 'all' the difference. There are a few things I know I can do that will definitely make a difference -- the two primary ones being to lose some weight and to ramp up my exercise and flexibility program. But 'all' the difference? No.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Neither is there anything I can stop doing that will manifest what I want -- which is to live peacefully and healthily for many more years. I am already doing things to help that along. I have stopped behaviors that were detrimental to that end, at least mostly. Eating is not optional, and I refuse to completely stop eating some of the sweet things I enjoy, but do try to make my consumption moderate.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">So no, I guess my response is that I am doing all I can, where I am, with what I've got right now.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">And regarding the picture -- I have already written a bunch of words about the significant event of 2014 -- yep. The ablation. The only picture that would adequately illustrate this is a 'before' picture of an EKG with me in afib, and an 'after' picture of an EKG with me in normal sinus rhythm. While I have the latter, I don't have the former. But picture a squiggly, uneven EKG for the former, and a nice, normal EKG for the latter. That's where I am now, and where, by the grace of God, I'll stay. </span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span><em><span style="color: purple;">&nbsp;</span> </em></span></div>http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2014/12/reverb-14-day-16.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-3132759643916290717Tue, 16 Dec 2014 04:59:00 +00002014-12-15T20:59:24.307-08:00fearsfoodheartrecipesReverb 14#Reverb14, Day 15<i>1. <span style="font-size: 16px;"><i><span style="color: purple;">What are you really proud that you made happen in 2014, despite the gremlins? And what will you do anyway in 2015?</span></i></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: 16px;"><i><span style="color: purple;">2. </span></i></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><i><span style="color: purple;">Soul food: What food did you discover this year?&nbsp; Or maybe you discovered a new way to prepare your favorite food.&nbsp; Or a new cookbook.&nbsp; Or a new restaurant.&nbsp; Tell us about your culinary adventures.</span></i></span></i><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">1. Here's the broken record again....I went to the cardiologist and EP for tests and monitors and an ablation...despite HUGE fear and anxiety and what-ifs and gremlins. Yay me!!! And I will continue to go in 2015.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Seriously, that was an enormous step for me, overcoming 12 years of fear because of a misdiagnosed heart attack&nbsp; that turned out to be a gangrenous gall bladder</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"> back in 2002. Finally instead of waiting until I actually DID have a heart attack or something else, I actively sought out a cardiologist who did testing and worked with me to determine what my issues are, and then went to an EP for the ablation which, hopefully, has fixed the afib and aflutter. If I still have issues surrounding the heart -- and that's likely, given my high blood pressure and family history -- I'll deal with them, one at a time. I want a quality of life and a freedom from that kind of unreasonable fear enough to continue to do that.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">2. Oh, I do love to eat and cook.&nbsp; But I don't recall finding a new food this year. I did some stuff with quinoa again this year and liked it; I found a couple of good bread and muffin recipes using winter squash -- which we're not fond of as a veggie. But new? No.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">So I'll share some of my favorite recipes, the ones I use often, or that are my 'go-to' recipes for potlucks and events.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Favorite dessert (although I seldom meet a dessert I don't like): <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/tiramisu-anacapri" target="_blank">Tiramisu Anacapri</a>. As reasonably healthy as tiramisu can get. Everyone loves this stuff.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Favorite way to eat brussels sprouts: <a href="http://www.shutterbean.com/2010/brussels-sprout-salad/" target="_blank">Addictive Brussels Sprouts Salad.</a> Addictive might be a bit too enthusiastic, but this is a wonderful way to serve sprouts as a salad.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Favorite green salad: <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/apple-pecan-and-blue-cheese-salad-recipe.html" target="_blank">Apple, Bleu Cheese, Pecan Green Salad</a>. From the Pioneer Woman. Big yum, and very easy to throw together.&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Favorite pasta dish (although I love pasta): <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/angel-hair-pasta-delight" target="_blank">Angel Hair Pasta Delight</a>.&nbsp; Use rotisserie chicken and you've got a very quick, easy, delicious meal. Especially good with fresh tomatoes and spinach from the garden.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Favorite appetizer to take to gatherings: <a href="http://homecooking.about.com/od/appetizerrecipes/r/blapp91.htm" target="_blank">Marinated Ham and Cheese Buns.</a> This always gets great reviews although there is nothing low-fat about it. I usually use whole wheat buns at least!&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Favorite cookie: <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/taku-glacier-lodge-ginger-cookies-231798" target="_blank">Taku Lodge Ginger Cookies </a>although with my own additions: I use slightly less ground ginger and add about a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger and 1/3 cup of chopped crystallized ginger. They are FABULOUS cookies. We got to eat them at Taku Lodge in 2001 and I've been making them ever since. These are best made as is -- they don't healthify with the same good results.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">We eat a lot of fresh food. I never buy frozen or boxed meal starters -- too expensive, too much sodium and other bad stuff, and it is very easy to cook from scratch, or nearly so. I confess I do use the ubiquitous 'cream of ...." soup in some recipes although I usually use the low fat low sodium versions. I do not use salt except in baked goods, figuring we can salt at the table if necessary. We eat a lot of fresh veggies and salads and fruits. I like to bake bread in my wonderful Zojirushi breadmaker -- better control over what goes into it -- although I do buy bread too, mostly based on carb counts and fiber.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">We eat a combination of a diabetic diet and an atrial fibrillation diet, and we are very consistent with the amount of veggies every day (the afib part of it), and also the carb counts per meal (the diabetic part of it). I'm grateful for the number of products now that are high fiber/low sugar.</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><i><span style="color: purple;"><br /> </span></i></span>http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2014/12/reverb14-day-15.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-1295495959381245727Mon, 15 Dec 2014 00:50:00 +00002014-12-14T16:50:53.117-08:00faithone day at a timeReverb 14#Reverb 14, Day 14<div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><i>1. <span><em>The idea of rooting down into your own personal beliefs and center of truth is an ongoing process, and many things can serve as anchors or roots as you move through life.</em></span></i></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><i> </i></span></span><br /><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><span><em>What rooted or anchored you in 2014?</em></span></i></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><i> </i></span></span><br /><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><span><em>And where do you want to put down roots in 2015?</em></span></i></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><span><em>2. </em></span><span><em>One word: What one word could describe your 2014?</em></span></i></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span><span style="color: black;">1. Moving through all the fear and anxiety and change that I did this year both around my heart issues and also around my daughter's issues required from me the<i> faith</i> that things could be better than they were.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span><span style="color: black;">And so I took one step at a time and let go of some things -- like the financial involvement in my daughter's life and desire to steer her life in the direction I thought it should go, for instance. I'd started that process more than a year ago then, but really took definite steps to get myself out of it -- and in the process this year, I've lost any interest in playing detective and finding out details that she often omits in conversation. Her path is hers to live and to manage, and not mine, and I will not be easily drawn into any future drama.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span><span style="color: black;">That all required faith from me that she indeed could do this, that I could indeed let go.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span><span style="color: black;">The whole heart health problems demanded faith that it could improve and that I would be okay through it all. One step at a time. One procedure, one call, one visit, one test at a time. And it has gotten both easier and better.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span><span style="color: black;">So for 2015, I want to keep <i>faith</i>, but I want to add <i>strength</i>: in body and mind and spirit. Practice the techniques I learned this year, rebuild body strength, and continue to grow in spiritual paths.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span><span style="color: black;">2. Duh.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span><span style="color: black;"><i>Faith.</i>&nbsp;</span></span><i><span><em> </em></span></i></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div>http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2014/12/reverb-14-day-14.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-6653719745608411682Mon, 15 Dec 2014 00:36:00 +00002014-12-14T16:36:01.087-08:00courageheartReverb 14writing#Reverb14, Day 13<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. <span><em>Step one: set the timer for 5 minutes and write down as many answers as you can think of to the question: 'When and how was I brave in 2014?' Note: remember the private, intimate and small ways in which you were brave as well as the big public ways.</em></span></span></span> <br /><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><em>Step two: Choose one of more of those moments of bravery and write a letter yourself back at the beginning of 2014, letting you know how brave you are going to be that year.</em></span></span></span></div><br /><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><em>Step three: Write yourself a short reminder to tuck into your wallet or post above your desk of just how brave you can and will be in 2015.</em></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><em>2. </em></span><span><em>On writing: Chances are, if you’re participating in #reverb it’s because you like writing.&nbsp; Or at least want to like writing.&nbsp; Writing is like a muscle.&nbsp; Use it or lose it.&nbsp; What do you do every day to hone your craft?&nbsp; Or, what would you like to do each day to contribute to your writing?</em></span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">1. Well, you already know from these prompts that I think my bravest moments were centered around going to the cardiologist and doing some testing and then going to the electrophysiologist and getting an ablation. Each of those moments, each appointment or phone call, required a measure of bravery. Each side effect of the medications I was put on required bravery to power through and be patient. Each missed event because of how I felt also required bravery. And after the ablation, it was a bit like waiting for the other shoe to drop: I was hypervigilant about every twitch and twinge and throb anywhere in my chest. Scary things went through my head, but I tried to be brave about it.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em> </em></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">I wouldn't have believed it had I an inkling at the beginning of 2014, honestly. So no letter. I have already written my love letter to myself.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">And my touchstone in 2015 will be what it's been in 2014: if not now, when? That almost always requires bravery to answer.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">2. I do love writing to prompts because it does require a commitment to writing every day, or at least planning to write daily. Sometimes I fall a few days behind, like today. But I'm here, I'm answering the prompt. And I'll post the result.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">At our monthly Writers Forum meeting yesterday, one of our members told Tony that she writes a poem every morning. I like that. I like that we go to the Writers Forum meetings, although we've missed some, and associate with others who love the craft and are writing and publishing. I love the idea of writing a poem every morning. Poetry is a form I used to write long ago, and have worked at it off and on, mostly off. Maybe it's time to try it again and see what comes out.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">We also have chosen <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daily-Writer-Meditations-Productive-Meaningful/dp/1582975299/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1418603603&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=the+daily+writer" target="_blank">The Daily Writer </a>as one of our morning readings for 2015, and there is a prompt every day. That may be good for both of us to stimulate our minds and writing. </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div>http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2014/12/reverb14-day-13.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-1193840409180892438Sat, 13 Dec 2014 04:08:00 +00002014-12-12T20:08:34.171-08:00being in the momentblessingsgratitudeNew YearReverb 14second chances#Reverb 14, Day 12<i><span style="color: purple;">1. <span style="font-size: 16px;"><em>It all starts with kindness. Everything I have learnt, everyone I have interviewed, every word I have studied has guided me to this simple but profound conclusion: true happiness begins and ends with self-kindness.</em></span></span></i> <br /><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em>No more guilt. No more shoulds. No more comparison.</em></span></span></i></div><i><span style="color: purple;"> </span></i><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em>And the very best way to give your weary soul some kindness at the end of this year? A love note.</em></span></span></i></div><i><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em>Write a letter from you to you... filled with forgiveness, love, and a big bear hug.</em></span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em>2.</em></span></span></i><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em><span style="color: purple;"> Future self.&nbsp; Write a letter to your future self, telling the future you about what you hope for you.'</span></em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Dearest Beth,</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">You are simply an amazing woman. <i>Really.</i> Your husband tells you that all the time, your daughters have told you that many times, in spite of all the past tensions and boundary-setting and arguments you've had with them, in spite of the times when you've sobbed over what you <i>knew</i> was likely the end of your relationship with them (and it hasn't been, so far anyway!). &nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">You've eased off that self-recrimination, that stupid little interior judge that pronounces you too fat, too mouthy, too lazy, too unhealthy, too -- well, you remember. That's GREAT. Keep it up in 2015, girlfriend. Let it <i>goooooo</i>....for good.&nbsp; . </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">You overcame some really scary fears this year, didn't you, and you replaced them with light, and with kindness, and with energy, and you learned new tools and techniques to help you going forward. We know the fear can come back, but you don't have to let it be so paralyzing, so frightening. You know how to fight that blackness and fear, so continue to learn and practice and be positive. Take kindest care of yourself, your body, your health, your mind. You are the only YOU.</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">You've done better at doing things you want to do this year and not putting them off: do more of that, too. (This is not a dress rehearsal, sweetpea.) Have fun, go to events and places you are drawn to, do things you think you'd enjoy, play a lot more! Travel more: you're already planning some great trips to see friends and family and both new and old places. Embrace that with your whole heart and mind. Keep a journal of the trips so you remember the little things, the day-to-day things. You'll love doing it, you know.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Say thank you to the Universe every day, and say thank you to the people who matter to you. Send more cards. Write more letters. You are filled with so much gratitude -- share that with people who may need to receive it. Be generous with yourself and your loved ones, even more than you already are. You are so, so blessed!</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">What matters most is kindness, and you have been the recipient of much kindness this year. Do more. Be more. Love more. Live fully, as you've been learning to do. Forgive yourself -- you know, all those piddly little past memories that still occasionally come at you of things you think you did 'wrong'? You know who else remembers them? NO ONE. So let it <i>goooooo.</i>&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Be exactly who you are, Beth, not what you think someone expects you to be. You are enough. You are loved. You are funny and smart and wise. And yes, a smart-mouth sometimes, and yes, a little cynical sometimes. But that is who you ARE. You are unique, lovie. There is no one else like you in the Universe! Isn't that amazing?&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I love you, Beth. I love who you are becoming, every day, every month, every year. You aren't done yet! So get out there and LIVE, girl.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">All love and blessings to you, always --</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Your Highest Self </span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span><em><span style="color: purple;"> </span></em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em><span style="color: purple;">&nbsp;</span> </em></span>http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2014/12/reverb-14-day-12.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-5308170811032121661Fri, 12 Dec 2014 04:44:00 +00002014-12-11T20:44:55.372-08:00blessingsReverb 14ritual#Reverb14, Day 11<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em><span style="color: purple;">1. What tiny rituals: signal that your day is starting; help you ease into a creative project; give you closure from an intensive task; or mark other significant milestones in your day? What new rituals would you like to create in the new year?</span></em></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em>2.&nbsp; </em></span>Small Pleasures: What small pleasures did you discover this year?</i></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Ritual becomes even more important in the aging process -- the little things, the order in which you accomplish routine tasks, the way you structure your day. You can call it routines or daily chores or whatever you want, but it takes the form of ritual.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Wikipedia says </span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">"A <b>ritual</b> 'is a sequence of activities involving gestures, words, and objects, performed in a sequestered place, and performed according to set sequence.'"&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Disrupt our rituals, and it can discombobulate everything. I understand that much better nowadays, although we are still young enough not to go off into anxiety attacks about it. But it used to happen frequently with my mother in her later years, and I didn't quite get it then.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Our beautiful mornings nearly always begin with Tony rising before I do.. He has his own morning rituals. When I get up, I open the blinds in bedroom and living room on the way to the kitchen where I put hot water into a mug along with an Irish Breakfast teabag (occasionally varying that with a cup of decaf coffee or a decaf Earl Grey), and then sit in my big green leather chair with my iPad and tea for 20-30 minutes, usually with McMurphy in my lap, loving on me. Tony fixes breakfast&nbsp; -- eggs or cereal or oatmeal -- and we do our daily readings from two books we choose every year. And then the day begins to vary, depending on who's doing what.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I love that routine, that ritual. We do much the same when we travel in Sallie, our travel trailer. It is a buffer for me between the warmth of the bed and a dream world, and the necessities of the day. Once we close the books on the last reading, I'm ready to face the rest of the day.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I would like to create a ritual around exercising in the new year, an almost automatic action of climbing on the bike and pedaling for half an hour. I don't do that consistently and I neeeeeeeed it. I also want my Tuesday and Thursday mornings to include yoga class again, where I get up from the breakfast table, shower and change into yoga clothing, and head out. I always feel so much better -- and so totally virtuous -- when I intentionally do something that helps my strength and stamina.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I have always loved ritual, whether in the form of family tradition or more formal church ritual, and have written several to observe seasonal change, leavings and arrivings, and to celebrate friendships. I think even our little every day rituals bring some comfort and continuity to our lives and help us celebrate those moments.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">2. Funny little prompt here -- small pleasures.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">One of the first that instantly came to mind is my little Pampered Chef microwave pots. I bought these during an RV show early in the year, but the first time I used them, in June, I loved them! They are covered saucepans that will easily hold and heat soup or casseroles, and for an RV trip, they are perfect -- lighter weight than Pyrex and more easily gripped. It was a silly little glow of pleasure, but I am so glad I have them.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Another little pleasure I discovered this year is the Kindle Paperwhite, the backlit e-reader. It goes easily into a purse, holds a charge for a long time, and I can read in the dark without disturbing my honey or anyone else. Although I still and always love the feel of a paper book, I have become a big fan of the Kindle, especially when paired with Kindle Unlimited -- another little pleasure of this year -- because I don't have to keep the book or store them -- and I have shelves and shelves of books. That's growing more important to me as I try to recycle or give away things that no longer suit me, and that includes some of my extensive library.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">While I found it several years ago now, the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thermos-Insulated-18-Ounce-Stainless-Steel-Hydration/dp/B000FJ9DOK" target="_blank">Thermos Hydration bottl</a>e is without a doubt the BEST water bottle ever. It stays cold, even icy, in temperatures exceeding 105, and doesn't sweat. We use them constantly and they always go with us when we are in the car. Every time I flip it open, I am grateful for this little treasure and the cold drink it offers. A small pleasure is sometimes the very best kind. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><i> </i></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div>http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2014/12/reverb14-day-11.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-1246279689739757462Thu, 11 Dec 2014 02:03:00 +00002014-12-10T18:03:15.187-08:00blessingsEnergyhealthheartreikiReverb 14women#Reverb 14, Day 10<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em>1. Generosity is free of obligations; it opens the heart, and creates warmth and connection between the giver and receiver. When I cultivate generosity the holidays become something I look forward to sharing with my loved ones.</em></span></span> <br /><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em>Look back at the last year and consider: how did generosity open your heart? How can you cultivate generosity in the coming year?</em></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em>2. </em></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em>Leap of faith: What decision did you make this year that was a leap of faith?&nbsp; Did it work out?&nbsp; Or not?</em></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><em>&nbsp;</em>1. I was especially blessed this year with friends who said prayers and/or sent me reiki energy for my cardiac ablation at the end of August, and a group of local women who spent time with me in reiki sessions to boost my energy and calm my fears before the procedure. The result was miraculous: I was not afraid at all to go into this procedure, and indeed felt as though I was literally cushioned with love and prayers both before and after it. That generosity has continued and has had great results too, as I have been afib-free, at least as far as I can feel it, ever since -- nearly four months now.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Because of that kindness and loving energy, I have been available when others have needed help or prayers for themselves or their loved ones, and have been lucky enough to participate in several hands-on sessions to help people who are frightened or worried, in addition to including them in my own daily prayers.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">There are some wonderfully generous people in our community who inspire and challenge me to be more generous as well with my time, my gifts, and through prayers and actions. I am so grateful to those who have shown me such generosity, and their actions make me want to reciprocate, to pay it forward and also repay it.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">2. I feel a bit like a broken record when I talk so much about the ablation, but it truly was not only a huge step for me in overcoming long-standing fear and anxiety, but also required a huge leap of faith. Ablation does not always work: often the heart can heal the burns a little too well and the afib or flutter comes back, requiring a second procedure, and sometimes even a third. Some people have had multiple procedures without relief.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">While it can take the heart up to a year to truly heal, I have passed the first nearly four months without recurrence of either afib or flutter, at least as far as I can tell. As part of the three-month evaluation I wore a monitor for two weeks which is still being evaluated, and I expect to hear from my cardiologist/electrophysiologist soon about the findings -- but I feel positive about it. And I'd do it again if I needed to.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Talk about needing to trust! A skilled team threads a tiny catheter up your femoral artery to your heart, pokes a hole in the heart to get to the left ventricle, and proceeds to burn tiny wounds around the pulmonary veins and other areas where they find afib, which interrupt the wonky electrical circuit that causes these problems.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">So far, so good. I am so grateful! </span></div>http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2014/12/reverb-14-day-10.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-5916249757029049774Wed, 10 Dec 2014 23:33:00 +00002014-12-10T15:33:14.056-08:00healthheartone day at a timepain illnesspoetryReverb 14surgery#Reverb14: Day 9<br /><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><em>1. As you enter into the new year, what would you like to do/make/have/be more often? How will you bear witness and celebrate the tiny milestones?&nbsp;</em><em>How will you respond on the occasions when your intentions do not come to pass?</em></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><em>2. </em></span></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><em>The Plank: It has been said that you must learn to take care of yourself before you can be effective at taking care of others.&nbsp; How did you take care of yourself in 2014?&nbsp; How will you take care of yourself in 2015?</em></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Yesterday slipped away from me -- a long day of shopping for both donation gifts (for kids, through my Bunco group) and the beginnings of my own shopping. Got home and left 45 minutes later for the photo club Christmas party, and didn't get home from that until about 10. I was ready for bed.</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">1. In other words, what do I want to do with my life next year? I would like to spend much less time going to doctors, for one, and more time traveling with my honey. I want to feel stronger and steadier on my feet. I want to learn some new things and practice some of those I learned this year. I want to feel content and happy more often.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">With the afib issue looking far more positive and the painful foot issue scheduled for surgery in early January, my health concerns should be pretty much resolved. Time to make exercise and rehab a priority again and regain all the strength and balance I've lost over the past three years. Feeling better and stronger will mark that successful venture. And always there is the January diet plan that will kick in, which I'm hoping will work in tandem with the getting stronger and steadier routine. How will I know it is working? When I can walk easily without getting winded quickly, and when I don't feel unsteady.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">There are always slips and lapses. The important thing is not to abandon the effort because things are not progressing as quickly as I'd hoped or that I escaped back into comfort food for a while. This is truly a lifelong effort that is done one day at a time.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">That's all we ever get anyway, one day at a time. I can handle pretty much anything for one day. And I'm a lot better about not beating myself up all the time. I can do this and I want to do this.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">2. I can save one life --&nbsp; mine. Since I read Mary Oliver's life-changing poem <a href="http://peacefulrivers.homestead.com/maryoliver.html" target="_blank">"The Journey,"</a> a few years ago, that has been my touchstone, but this has not always been the case.&nbsp; And while my husband looks out for me constantly, he can only do so much: the rest is up to me.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I took a very proactive path about my health in 2014 and will continue to do so in 2015, although I hope 2015 will be largely rehab-oriented and not quite so much medical procedure and medication-driven!&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I own my mistakes and my faults, but I don't own any one else's, nor can I manage another's life. I think I may finally understand this, hard though it is. I am finally living life doing what I want to do, putting me (and us, my husband and me) first, and that is a radical change. Nobody else gets to call the shots on what I do or don't do; nobody gets to make me feel guilty about it either. What a concept, eh?</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">More of this in 2015. Happier. Wiser. Stronger. More generous with myself and my love. &nbsp;</span><em> </em></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div>http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2014/12/reverb14-day-9.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684408.post-1639670836178973159Tue, 09 Dec 2014 02:31:00 +00002014-12-08T19:42:29.236-08:00blessingscommunicationfamilypaying attentionreikiReverb 14strong women#Reverb 14, Day 8<span style="color: purple;"><i>1. <span style="font-size: 16px;"><i>The hectic pace of our lives can make it difficult to remain connected to the things and the people that matter the most to us. We get wrapped up in our work or our busyness and connection falls by the wayside.&nbsp;</i></span></i></span> <br /><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: purple;"><i><span style="font-size: 16px;"><i>How have you created and/or sustained connections in your life this year?</i></span></i></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><span style="font-size: 16px;"><i>2. </i></span></i></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><i><span style="color: purple;">Hero: Who was your hero this year? Tell us why. What makes a hero in your eyes?</span></i></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">1. This is a blessing of retirement, I think -- to be able to spend time when and how and with whom you want. And yet there are still friends I seldom see or talk to, not because I don't want the connection, but because we get caught up in routines and travel and simply don't follow through.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Friendship requires intention to sustain no matter what age we are, or to what degree our 'busy-ness' takes over our lives. When I was younger, I still found time to be with friends, to write letters or call (since there was no email nor cell phones back in the olden days). Not sure how I did it, but I made the time because it was important to do so.</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Facebook has been a wonderful way for me to maintain some connection with friends I don't see or talk with&nbsp; ear-to-ear very often, to strengthen some familial ties that have never been strong because of great distance between our homes, and even to nurture friendships that are much more local.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"> This year I got to see a cousin I hadn't seen in, oh, more than 40 years, in great part because of the connection we'd established through Facebook!</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"> I try not to be a nuisance by reposting too much stuff, but making my comments personal. By reading posts and seeing pictures, I can get a much better idea of what is going on in the lives of some friends, what they like and don't like, and learn a lot about them. That is fun and interesting, and I hope they feel the same way about what I post! </span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">The new reiki study and practice group that I began attending early this year has been the best new connection, however, meeting monthly but often connecting more than that through a FB group and/or meeting for a reiki session. Most of the members are new friends for me, and I am loving getting to know them better both through our meetings and classes, but also through our FB group and their pages.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Social media can be a total pain and too much of an obsession, but it also can really help build connections when used responsibly and honestly.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I still like sending emails (seldom snail mail any more), though, and for the past several years have sent a brief email five days a week to a few family members and friends (added at their request) just to stay in touch and let them know I'm thinking of them every day. I always include a quote that either I need to hear or think they do. I don't expect a reply from any of them, but occasionally get a response that lets me know my correspondence is appreciated. It's sort of like a little prayer for each of them as I send it -- and it blesses me too.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">And I've gotten a few snail mail cards from friends and/or family too, non-birthday ones, that have made me feel loved and blessed. It may be old-fashioned, but there can be a real pleasure in re-reading a note or a card that sits on your table or desk. I'd like to be more intentional about sending those this next year.</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">2. While I hadn't thought of her as a 'hero,' I have a friend and teacher and neighbor who has been such a wonderful friend and mentor and teacher to me this year especially.&nbsp; Jessie Woods is a local business owner (The Gold Exchange) who is usually at the forefront of any downtown business promotion, but also is an incredibly creative and generous person who gives her time, expertise, and money to charitable causes, and sponsors several of them.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">She is also a reiki master and my teacher, and has donated space for our reiki group to meet and practice. And she has been right there for me every time I have asked for help with healing mind or spirit, even when I know she has been busy with meetings and her own business.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">She puts her beliefs and words into generous and thoughtful actions in a way I've seldom seen. And her example makes me want to donate my money and energy to others, to be kind and available when I'm asked for help, and to live my own beliefs in a positive and helpful way.</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">I am so grateful for her example and presence in my life and in our town, and for her leadership and generosity in establishing our reiki study group. We are all blessed who participate in it, and who know her.&nbsp; Jessie makes a difference in the lives of many people in our area, and she inspires me to be kinder, more generous, and to keep learning and growing. Thank you, my friend.</span></span><i> </i></span></div>http://oldmusings.blogspot.com/2014/12/reverb-14-day-8.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Beth)1